Panel product imports were 7% lower, resulting in a total increase of 1.5% (59,000m3) for the combined main timber product imports compared to the same period in 2011.
The TTF said demand remained weak and confidence fragile as short-term uncertainty persisted. The second quarter shows a 1.8% fall in volumes compared to a year ago – effectively returning to the negative growth recorded since the fourth quarter of 2010.
The first quarter of 2012 is the only exception to this trend. The TTF said a further decline in the third quarter would indicate that prospects of a full-year growth in imports this year were unlikely.
In softwood, Ireland has increased its market share the most during the first six months with a 19% rise, with Sweden’s dropping to just over 12%. Volumes from Germany and Russia were down 13% and 6% respectively.
The cumulative softwood import volume by the end of June was 2.5 million m3. Malaysia’s hardwood volumes rose 30% in the first half to claim a 6% market share.
Leading hardwood shippers the US and Italy registered marginal growth, while Cameroon saw its volumes grow by 13%. Germany and France lost ground.
All plywood product imports were down 3.8%, while for hardwood plywood there was no change. Uruguayan hardwood ply imports grew dramatically, principally the TTF says, due to its low cost (13% below Chinese prices on average). China was easily the market leader with a 54% market share.
